Youth Development Director

The Youth Development Directoris a leadership role makes a lasting impact. This position is responsible for ensuring that assigned Youth Development programs, which may include summer day camp, drop-in childcare, before-and-after school care, and/or teen programming; meet program standards in accordance with all applicable licensing and funding requirements. This role is also responsible for enhancing the member/participant experience and retention, optimizing program enrollment and revenue, and managing program budgets. The Youth Development Directormanages, leads and develops team members and ensures a safe environment for all participants and staff.

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent or higher in Elementary Education, Recreation Management, Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• 3 to 5 years or more experience in youth and family programming providing high-quality experience to program participants, with at least 3 years of supervisor or team leadership experience.
• Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission.
• Budget and expense management experience with the ability to assist in managing budgets to plan.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with customers, team members and other stakeholders and constituents.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), email; ability to learn and adapt to new technology
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team Leader competencies in previous experience or practice.
• Meet physical qualifications required as outlined in job description.
• The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Program Management

• Ensures the member/participant experience is consistent, integrated and aligned to YMCA goals for youth programming and participant experience, engagement and retention.
• Identifies and promotes key drivers of a successful program experience.
• Adapts and creates tools and processes to enhance participant experience.
• Increases member/participant connection and commitment to YMCA programs.
• Monitors program registration goals to understand trends and identify means for development.
• Adapts and customizes program portfolio and curriculum to meet community needs.
• Optimizes program capacity and enrollment goals.
• Participates in special events and activities at YMCA sites and within the community.
• Promotes programs in the community through multiple channels including community engagement strategy. (This includes collaborating with peers and leaders in and outside the Y.)
• Ensures program safety and compliance according to program standards.

Team Management Responsibilities

• Identifies hires, manages and motivates a high-performing team that accomplishes program objectives.
• Coaches and mentors staff to support them in delivering safe, engaging and well-organized program services.
• Trains new staff and provides ongoing trainings in accordance with training designs.
• Facilitates all-staff meetings and in-services.
• Responsible for ensuring staff are compliant with required trainings and certifications.
• Recruits and trains volunteers to meet the needs of the programs.
• Evaluates volunteer work and strategy to ensure volunteers are used appropriately.

Fiscal and Risk Management

• Manages program budget, including revenue and expenses, to meet financial targets and monitors financial performance.
• Oversees maintenance of table files, program guides and online registration site to ensure accurate information is advertised.